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New Zealand ace Coveny retires

Wellington Phoenix striker Vaughan Coveny has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 37-year old was overcome with emotion when he told his teammates.

"To be honest it was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," Coveny said.

"To stand in front of such a special group of players and coaches and say thanks to everyone and to tell them I was ending my career was very emotional. I didn't expect to get so teary-eyed, frankly. But I think it's a good thing to show your emotions and all the guys had tears in their eyes when we got together, shook hands and they wished me the best.

"That was a marvellous tribute, to have my fellow players pay me such respect. I'm hugely thankful for that."

Coveny retires as New Zealand's all-time leading scorer in internationals with 30 goals in 75 matches and was also a massive part of football in Australia.

He spent time at both Melbourne Knights and Wollongong Wolves before enjoying on an 11-year stint with South Melbourne where he scored almost 100 goals in about 250 appearances.

More recently, Coveny has played with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League and ends career where it all began, in Wellington.